Press Conference 17 October 2000

1. Nobel Peace Prize to President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea
2. Visit to Japan by Premier of the State Council Zhu Rongji of the People's Republic of China
3. The attendance of Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono at the Ministerial Preparatory Meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) III
4. Upcoming normalization talks with North Korea
5. Visit to Japan by High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union Javier Solana
6. Announcement on "A path to the total elimination of nuclear weapons"
7. Meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI)
8. Questions on aid to the Republic of Indonesia and the People's Republic of China
9. Question on the Chinese white paper on defense
10. Question on recent comments by Premier Zhu Rongji
11. Question on the role of former Prime Minister and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Yasuhiro Nakasone
12. Follow-up questions on normalization talks between Japan and North Korea
13. Questions on the Middle East situation
14. Questions on the upcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)

1. Nobel Peace Prize to President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea

   Press Secretary Ryuichiro Yamazaki: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have several announcements to begin with at the outset, some of which concern events that have occurred over the weekend.

   I first wish to inform you that on the occasion of President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, both Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono sent President Kim Dae Jung a congratulatory message for his receiving the award. In addition, a statement on behalf of Prime Minister Mori has also been issued, which highly commends the reasons why President Kim Dae Jung received the award, especially what President Kim Dae Jung has done to realize the North-South Summit and to move forward the relations between the Republic of Korea and North Korea and thereby contributing greatly to the easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

   Related Information (Japan-Republic of Korea Relations)
   
2. Visit to Japan by Premier of the State Council Zhu Rongji of the People's Republic of China

   Mr. Yamazaki: I would like to briefly recap on the visit by Premier of the State Council Zhu Rongji of the People's Republic of China to Japan. Last Friday I gave you a detailed account of the meeting with Prime Minister Mori.

   Since Friday, Premier Zhu Rongji has met with the Japanese business community, held a press conference, appeared on Japanese television to have a dialogue with the people, met with the Chinese community, had an opportunity to ride on the experimental linear train, and taken the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kobe.

   The Government of Japan is highly satisfied with the outcomes of Premier Zhu Rongji's visit. The visit fits well within the context of the follow-up to the visit to Japan of President Jiang Zemin, when the Japan-China Joint Declaration was announced, whereby our two countries agreed to endeavor to move forward toward shaping a partnership of friendship and cooperation for peace and development.

   Through this visit by Premier Zhu Rongji, the leaders of our two countries confirmed their will to further enhance the mutual understanding between Japan and China as well as the importance of further confidence building between our two countries. Prime Minister Mori and Premier Zhu Rongji also agreed to further build upon this relationship. Through Premier Zhu Rongji's various contacts with the Japanese public at large, it could be sensed that efforts were being made to enhance the warmth of the feelings of the Japanese people toward China.

   I will not revisit in full the details of the meeting, which can be accessed on the homepage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but I will reiterate several key points.

   Prime Minister Mori accepted the gracious invitation extended by Premier Zhu Rongji to visit China at a mutually convenient time next year. The leaders also agreed to further accelerate the work to establish a framework for mutual prior notification concerning the activities of marine research vessels.

   In relation to official development assistance (ODA), Prime Minister Mori stated that the understanding and support of the people on this issue must be attained. Premier Zhu Rongji said that China highly values the ODA efforts of Japan toward China and will endeavor to spread that message in the context of its public relations efforts.

   Premier Zhu Rongji also expressed appreciation for the recent decision by Japan to render special yen loans. There was also agreement on deepening the security dialogue and defense exchanges between our two countries, as exemplified by the agreement to realize mutual ship visits by the respective navies.

   Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to hold a tripartite summit meeting, between Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China, on the occasion of the ASEAN+3 Meeting in November in Singapore, along the lines of the breakfast meeting that was held at last year's ASEAN+3 Meeting.

   There were many other issues, such as the Beijing-Shanghai high-speed railway project, how to improve the investment environment in China, how to promote Japanese investment in China, the development of western China, etc., but let me stop here as far as my review of this visit is concerned.

   Related Information (Visit to Japan of the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and Mrs. Zhu Rongji)
   
3. The attendance of Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono at the Ministerial Preparatory Meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) III

   Mr. Yamazaki: Foreign Minister Kono will be going to Seoul to attend the Ministerial Preparatory Meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) III. Foreign Minister Kono will be in Seoul from 18-20 October. The foreign ministers will assemble in Seoul at the preparatory meeting to prepare for the ASEM Summit, and they will discuss topics such as how Asia and Europe can strengthen their cooperation, the European Union (EU) situation, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

   Related Information (The Asia-Europe Meeting)
   
4. Upcoming normalization talks with North Korea

   Mr. Yamazaki: My fourth announcement concerns the next round of normalization talks between Japan and North Korea. This will be the eleventh round of such talks and will be held on 30 and 31 October in Beijing. The Japanese side will be led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Representative of Japan for Japan-North Korea Normalization Talks and Representative of Japan to the Executive Board of the Korean Energy Development Organization Kojiro Takano, and the North Korean side will be led by Ambassador Jong Tahe Hwa.

   Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations)
   
5. Visit to Japan by High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union Javier Solana

   Mr. Yamazaki: High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union Javier Solana will be visiting Japan as a guest of the Foreign Ministry between 23 and 25 October.

   During his stay, EU High Representative Solana will have a meeting with Foreign Minister Kono to discuss topics such as the EU situation and Japan-EU relations. EU High Representative Solana is also expected to give a speech in Tokyo.

   EU High Representative Solana formerly held the positions of Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain and Secretary-General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). EU High Representative Solana assumed the post of High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union last May and has been playing a very active role in this area, representing the EU in many fora, such as the Japan-EU troika meeting, Japan-EU foreign minister level consultations, and the G8 foreign ministers' meeting, to name a few. The Government of Japan looks forward to High Representative Solana's visit.

   Related Information (Japan-EU Relations)
   
6. Announcement on "A path to the total elimination of nuclear weapons"

   Mr. Yamazaki: My next announcement relates to Japan's draft resolution "A path to the total elimination of nuclear weapons" presented to the First Committee of the United Nations, which deals with disarmament related issues, on 13 October in New York. This draft resolution takes stock of the very successful 2000 NPT Review Conference held earlier this year and tries to move the process forward by showing a path to the total elimination of nuclear weapons.

   I would just like to highlight several items contained within the draft resolution, because here we want to stress the various practical steps for moving forward with this issue.

   One of the practical steps mentioned in the draft resolution is "the early signature and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) by those States whose ratification is required for its entry into force, with a view to its early entry into force before 2003, as well as a moratorium on nuclear-weapon-test explosion or any other nuclear explosions pending its entry into force."

   Another practical step is "the immediate commencement of negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament (CD) and their conclusion as early as possible before 2005 of a non-discriminatory, multilateral and internationally and effectively verifiable treaty banning the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons or other nuclear devices, in accordance with the statement of the Special Coordinator in 1995 and the mandate contained therein."

   The draft resolution also touches on a couple of points that go beyond the NPT Review Conference, such as a call to recognize that "the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons will require further steps by the nuclear-weapon States, including: the continuation of the nuclear disarmament process beyond START III; deeper reductions by all the nuclear-weapon States, unilaterally or through negotiations, in nuclear weapons in the process of working towards achieving their elimination."

   Two final points of the draft resolution are the following: "calls upon all States to redouble their efforts to prevent the proliferation of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction, including means of delivery, confirming and strengthening if necessary, their policies not to transfer equipment, materials, or technology that could contribute to the proliferation of those weapons," and "calls for unilateral and cooperative efforts to prevent weapons of mass destruction, inter alia, nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of non-state actors."

   The First Committee has begun its deliberations on the various resolutions tabled. Voting will start on these resolutions from mid-to-late October. This resolution was tabled solely by Japan. We are in touch with many countries, both in capitals and with their representatives in New York, to gain support from as many countries as possible.

   Related Information (Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation)
   
7. Meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI)

   Mr. Yamazaki: My final announcement concerns the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI), which is actually hosted by the World Bank but is taking place here in Tokyo, today and tomorrow. I would like to give you a quick rundown on Japan's position vis-à-vis this meeting.

   The Republic of Indonesia is a major country in Southeast Asia, and the stability of Indonesia is extremely important for the stability of the region, and it is with this perspective that Japan is one of the major donors to Indonesia. On top of that, Japan has important bilateral trade and investment relations with Indonesia, and these points are also taken into regard. Given the aftermath of the recent Asia economic crises in late 1997, Indonesia is facing various difficulties, but Japan hopes to continue assistance to Indonesia.

   There are various topics to be discussed at the CGI, and they are all relevant, but as far as Japan is concerned, we attach special importance to two issues: economic structural reform and governance.

   As far as aid itself is concerned, there are two key issues: (1) how to fill the gap in terms of the financial requirements that Indonesia needs in 2001, and (2) to discuss the development assistance needs for the mid-to-long term. Right now the administration is facing various difficulties. There is the issue of economic structural reform and other issues, such as the domestic security situation. However, viewed from the long-term perspective, overall things are moving in the right direction.

   Related Information (Japan-Indonesia Relations)
   
8. Questions on aid to the Republic of Indonesia and the People's Republic of China

   Q: A lot has been said in recent days about the attitude of the Japanese people toward aid to China, but what about the attitude toward aid to Indonesia? Would you say that is palpably more favorable? Or are people more disparaged against giving aid toward Indonesia than they are toward China? Following Premier Zhu Rongji's visit, by what steps, if any, will the Japanese Government attempt to explain the background for giving aid to China? What specific measures will be taken to increase support?

   Mr. Yamazaki: On the first question, the issue is not comparing one country to another, and I certainly cannot speak on behalf of the Japanese people. I have not seen any public opinion polls of one kind or another, especially vis-à-vis Indonesia. I tried to give you at the outset the rationale behind the Government's posture in participating in this CGI Meeting.

   In response to the second question, on follow-up to Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Japan, no further measures beyond what I have described in the press conference on Friday and just now. Especially in Japanese journalism, among other quarters, some of the criticism of some aspects of Chinese policy relates to ODA. For example, there are the issues of transparency and the military budget, although Japan enjoys a very frank and cordial security dialogue. The Chinese have, in recent years, issued their defense white paper to try to be more transparent and so forth. There is also the public relations effort on the part of the Chinese, for example on 8 October when a reception was held to commemorate the 20th year of ODA from Japan to China. Those are some of the examples that will hopefully contribute to the sentiments of the Japanese people vis-à-vis ODA to China. These are not the only measures, and there are other areas that might be referred to. The most important outcome in the wake of this visit is that the two leaders, as I have tried to describe, reconfirmed the partnership of friendship and cooperation between our two countries for peace and development. It is along those lines that the Government hopes it can move forward on various issues.

   Q: Would you say that Japan might be called upon to fulfill a disproportionately large part of what you call the financial gap?

   Mr. Yamazaki: Japan has not pledged anything yet. The CGI is a meeting within the World Bank context, but as far as individual countries are concerned, Japan has been the top donor, and generally speaking Japan's basic position is that it will maintain its robust posture on some of the points you just mentioned. Beyond that, I have just described to you some of the rationale behind some of our thinking.

   Q: Is the US$1.56 billion deal confirmed?

   Mr. Yamazaki: We are holding the pledging session tomorrow, so I do not want to prejudge any figures at this present time. But I tried to describe our basic posture as discretely as possible.

   Q: In relation to the Japanese assistance to Indonesia, Japan will extend assistance for a total of four projects in agriculture, is that correct?

   Mr. Yamazaki: No announcement on actual assistance has been made yet, as the pledging session commences tomorrow. The necessary decisions will be made taking into account the discussions at the CGI, and the announcement will be made at the pledging session. As I tried to indicate, Japan will take a robust attitude toward this issue.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
9. Question on the Chinese white paper on defense

   Q: How concerned is Japan at the tone of yesterday's Chinese white paper on defense, which is quite critical of Japan's military today? How do you rate that?

   Mr. Yamazaki: I have yet to see the most recent white paper, so I do not have a comment on this at this time.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
10. Question on recent comments by Premier Zhu Rongji

    Q: Regarding the discussions, Premier Zhu Rongji mentioned that he has never seen any written apology from the Government of Japan. Do these apologies exist on paper?

    Mr. Yamazaki: From the reports that I have seen from yesterday's press conference, Premier Zhu Rongji said that he appreciated the statement by former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama of 1995.

    On TBS on Saturday night, Premier Zhu Rongji mentioned that the Japanese have not apologized in writing. However, on Monday, judging by what he said, Premier Zhu Rongji acknowledged that the Murayama Statement exists, and he appreciated it. You had better ask the Chinese spokesperson as to what conclusion you should draw from Premier Zhu Rongji's words.

    From the perspective of the Government of Japan, we would like to underline that the Murayama Statement was announced in 1995 in the form of a written statement based on a Cabinet decision. That statement was referred to by Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi when he went to China and also by Prime Minister Mori in the meeting that took place on Friday.

    Related Information (Visit to Japan of the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and Mrs. Zhu Rongji)
    
11. Question on the role of former Prime Minister and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Yasuhiro Nakasone

    Q: Has an advisor, has Mr. Nakasone been involved in these discussions with Premier Zhu Rongji?

    Mr. Yamazaki: Former Prime Minister and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Yasuhiro Nakasone was not at the meeting. Special Advisor Nakasone has just accepted his post as Special Advisor, the highest diplomatic advisor, along with former Prime Minister Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Ryutaro Hashimoto. If we look at the example of Special Advisor Hashimoto, the Special Advisor carries out ad-hoc or specific missions. For example, Special Advisor Hashimoto made a visit to the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan this spring. In terms of the role or which issues Special Advisor Nakasone will take up, it is not yet determined. We will consult with Special Advisor Nakasone as well as seek Prime Minister Mori's guidance.

12. Follow-up questions on normalization talks between Japan and North Korea

    Q: On the normalization talks between Japan and North Korea, what will be the specific agenda? What will be the obstacles to be discussed?

    Mr. Yamazaki: This is a continuing process. After a hiatus of seven years, the ninth meeting took place in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, and the tenth meeting took place on the outskirts of Tokyo. Those two meetings provided an opportunity for both sides to make lead statements on the various issues at hand.

    There will hopefully be more of a dialogue on the issues at this round of talks to be held in Beijing, but I would not like to prejudge the outcome. Journalists always want to be two steps ahead of reality to give some prediction. I can tell you that we will address all the issues across the board, and we hope to progress further and see on what issues we can have a better meeting of minds.

    Q: Will Japan be able to normalize relations with North Korea in this next round of talks?

    Mr. Yamazaki: The Government does not rule out all possibilities. However, as I outlined, talks have just been resumed, last time in Pyongyang and most recently in Tokyo. Having laid out each other's basic position, both sides are trying to narrow the gap. It will be difficult to narrow the gap 100 percent on all the issues at one meeting, but we will endeavor to do our best to see how we can deal with these issues. With the cooperation of the North Korean side, whatever progress can be achieved will be achieved.

    Related Information (Japan-North Korea Relations)
    
13. Questions on the Middle East situation

    Mr. Yamazaki: The Government of Japan is keenly watching the situation. Japan has made repeated official statements that it first of all wants the clashes between the Palestinians and the Israelis to stop, and for the parties to then return to the negotiating table. Foreign Minister Kono has been in touch with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hubert Vedrine of the French Republic, as France is the Chair of the European Union. They talked yesterday and last week over the telephone.

    Foreign Minister Kono also held telephone conversations with both the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Shlomo Ben-Ami of the State of Israel and Minister Nabeel Sha'ath of the Palestinian Authority last week.

    Japan highly commends the efforts by President William Jefferson Clinton of the United States of America and President Hosni Mubarak of the Arab Republic of Egypt, as well as Secretary-General Kofi Annan of the United Nations, for their efforts in mediating between both the parties concerned.

    Q: I do not suppose that the visit of Mr. Solana is related to the situation?

    Mr. Yamazaki: Foreign Minister Kono also talked with EU High Representative Solana on 27 September. The timing for EU High Representative Solana's visit was scheduled for this time of the year because he is giving some speeches as well, and of course there is the meeting between the foreign ministers on 25 October. The foreign ministers will certainly discuss the post-election situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and unless there is some major breakthrough, the Middle East situation will be an immediate issue of mutual concern.

    Q: Is there some condemnation from Japan on the violence that happened in this part of the world? Japan condemned it?

    Mr. Yamazaki: Yes, Japan has condemned all the forms of violence that have taken place and urged the parties concerned to calm the situation. The statements that have been made are all available in English.

    Related Information (Crisis in the Middle East Peace Process)
    
14. Questions on the upcoming Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)

    Q: At ASEM, what is going to be in the basket for Japan?

    Mr. Yamazaki: Again you want to be one or two days ahead, as ASEM is starting the day after tomorrow and ending on Saturday. I will be going to Seoul, and I hope to be able to brief the local press and other press there. But at this present time I cannot convey anything to you, as it is a matter of discipline amongst the participating ASEM countries not to disclose matters which are still being discussed.

    ASEM is taking place at a very important time; obviously the situation in Europe as well as the Korean Peninsula may be amongst the issues that are addressed. Other issues pertaining to the world economy, including the launching of the next round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks, issues like that may also be taken up. The agenda more or less has the political issues first, followed by the economic issues, and the discussions would focus on how to further expand both economic and political cooperation between Asia and the EU. The scope is very wide-ranging, but as to the outcome of the meeting I would like to wait until the meeting is over.

    Q: Nevertheless it was about politics and economics; it looks like it is more and more personal, people trying to get in touch with each other?

    Mr. Yamazaki: I do not want to tie down the leaders' intentions, but whenever there is a leader-level meeting, the leaders not only talk to each other in the official meeting room, but they also meet over working lunches/dinners and bilateral meetings that provide an excellent opportunity for the various leaders to get to know each other personally as well as to learn about each other's respective issues and interests. In this sense, I think ASEM III provides an excellent setup for summit diplomacy, diplomacy actually conducted by individual leaders based upon personal contacts.

    Related Information (The Asia-Europe Meeting)